1,101 - Problems Getting Along With Family

Do your family parties look like boxing matches? Then you’ll enjoy this episode about getting along with your family members. Slow dialog: 1:14 Explanations: 3:12 Fast dialog: 14:37 Oscar: So you’re back from your mother’s birthday dinner. How was it? Priscilla: Same old, same old. It isn’t a family gathering without a major meltdown or blowup. Oscar: Yikes, what happened? Priscilla: You know how it is. It starts out with bickering and somebody taking offense at some slight or dig, or bringing up some old grievance. Oscar: Well, that happens in most families. Priscilla: Yeah, but in mine, they often turn into screaming matches. We all raise our voices and somebody always storms out. Oscar: Even at your mother’s birthday dinner? Priscilla: The occasion doesn’t matter. My mother tries to be the peacemaker, but it doesn’t take much for tempers to flare. Oscar: That never happens in my family. Priscilla: What?! Your family doesn’t fight when it gets together? Oscar: No, we try to sweep things under the rug and put on a brave face. Priscilla: What happens when you get mad at each other? Oscar: Nothing. Priscilla: What do you mean nothing? Oscar: A lot of our family meals are eaten in stony silence. Priscilla: Wow, I think I prefer our knock-down, drag-out fights! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse